Philodendron is grown for its foliage and the structure it brings to a planting. It's hardy across USDA zones 11 through 12 and shrugs off deer. It roots deep, which helps it reach moisture in a dry spell and open up tight soil as it establishes.
Zones
11-12
pH Range
5-7.5
Sun
Part Sun
Days to Maturity
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Score Philodendron on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether philodendron actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score philodendron against your land's real conditions.
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What Philodendron is
Philodendron reaches around four feet at maturity. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Philodendron
Philodendron grows in USDA zones 11 through 12. Philodendron does best in part sun — at least 4 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground. It needs a growing season of at least 365 frost-free days, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
11-12
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
5 - 7.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Part Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost Tolerance
64.4°F
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
4 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
365+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant philodendron in part sun with at least 4 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Philodendron prefers pH 5 to 7.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Keep it in good form
Prune philodendron to shape as it grows; the reward is its foliage and structure, not a harvest, so steady upkeep is the whole job.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — philodendron is toxic to dogs and cats (moderate severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Philodendron isn't classified as a notable pollinator plant in our data — pair it with high-value bloomers nearby to feed bees.
Where Philodendron thrives
Philodendron is hardy across USDA zones 11 through 12. Zone is only the starting point, though: the soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific land decide how well it actually does.
Zones 11–12·Where Philodendron growsOpen map →
On USDA hardiness-zone overlap, Philodendron can grow in these states:
See if Philodendron will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether philodendron actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Philodendron in my zone?
Philodendron grows in USDA hardiness zones 11 through 12 (USDA PHZM 2023). Zone is one factor — soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific parcel also shape whether it takes.
When should you plant Philodendron?
Most growers plant philodendron after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed, leaving enough of the season for its 365-day frost-free need. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Philodendron need?
Philodendron does well in partial sun — around 4 hours of direct sun, and it takes some afternoon shade in stride. That flexibility makes it a good match for a bed the house or a nearby tree shades for part of the day. A Growable Ground report maps how the sun actually falls on your land, hour by hour, so you can set it where the light lines up.
What soil does Philodendron need?
Philodendron prefers soil pH 5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Philodendron attract pollinators?
Philodendron isn't classified as a notable pollinator plant in our data. Pairing it with high-value bloomers nearby keeps bees and butterflies fed.
Is Philodendron safe for pets?
Philodendron is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with moderate severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.